10+1 Places in Greece from the movies

There’s something magical about Greece—the golden sunsets over the Aegean, the whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, the ruins whispering tales of ancient gods. It’s no wonder that filmmakers from around the world have chosen this breathtaking backdrop to bring their stories to life. Whether it’s romance, adventure, or drama, movies set in Greece capture not only the beauty of the landscapes but also the soul of a country rich in history, culture, and passion. Let’s take a cinematic journey through Greece, where every frame feels like a postcard and every story carries the essence of the Mediterranean dream.

1.       Skopelos & Skiathos Islands

Nestled in the Sporades, these islands set the stage for the beloved ABBA-inspired musical, Mamma Mia! with the iconic wedding scene filmed at the breathtaking Agios Ioannis Chapel in Skopelos—a tiny church perched atop a dramatic rock, now one of Greece’s most sought-after wedding locations.

Skopelos, often called the greenest island in Greece, is covered in dense pine forests, a rarity among the country’s typically arid islands. Meanwhile, Skiathos is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting over 60 stunning beaches, including Koukounaries, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in Greece. Despite their cinematic fame, these islands remain a hidden gem compared to the bustling hotspots of Santorini and Mykonos, making them perfect for those seeking an authentic and serene Greek escape.

2. Santorini Island

Santorini’s iconic white-washed houses and blue-domed churches served as the stunning backdrop for Lena’s love story in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Filming took place in the charming streets of Oia, Fira, and Ammoudi Bay, where Lena’s fateful meeting by the water unfolded.

Shaped by a massive volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago, Santorini’s dramatic crescent-shaped caldera is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The island is also home to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city preserved under volcanic ash. Unlike Pompeii, the people of Akrotiri astonishingly foresaw the eruption and managed to flee with their valuables, centuries before Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii.

Santorini’s volcanic soil also gives rise to its renowned wine. The Assyrtiko grape, grown in unique basket-shaped vines to withstand strong winds, produces some of Greece’s most distinctive and mineral-rich wines, making a visit to a local vineyard an essential part of the Santorini experience.

3. Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia’s breathtaking landscapes set the stage for the 2001 WWII drama Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz. The picturesque village of Sami, with its Venetian architecture and stunning coastline, served as a primary filming location, as well as Myrtos Beach, one of Greece’s most famous and most photographed beaches in the world, known for its white pebbles and electric blue waters.

Beyond its cinematic fame, Kefalonia offers natural wonders like Melissani Cave, an underground lake of crystal-clear waters once dedicated to the nymphs in ancient Greek mythology. Visitors can glide through the cave by boat, capturing stunning photos of the light-drenched waters. Near Argostoli harbor, lucky travelers might even spot the rare Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) gracefully swimming nearby.

Despite being one of the largest Ionian islands, Kefalonia retains its unspoiled charm, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

4. Amorgos Island

The 1988 French film The Big Blue, starring Jean Reno, brought global attention to Amorgos, capturing its mesmerizing deep blue waters. Back then, the rocky beaches of Agia Anna were a hidden paradise- today, they attract dozens of young travelers each summer, yet the crystal-clear sea and wild landscape remain as breathtaking as ever. Amorgos’ waters are among the clearest in the Aegean, making it a dream for divers and sea lovers alike.

The film also features the awe-inspiring Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, a monastery built dramatically into a cliff 300 meters above the sea and offering incredible views of the “Big Blue”.

Amorgos embodies the essence of Greek island life with its whitewashed villages, untouched hiking trails, and ancient ruins. Be sure to taste the island’s local delicacies, especially Psimeni raki, a honey-infused spirit with warming spices. Located near Naxos, Amorgos is a perfect addition to your Cycladic adventure, one visit, and you’ll understand why The Big Blue chose it as its cinematic muse.

5. Crete Island

In 1964, Zorba the Greek, starring Anthony Quinn, brought Crete to the world’s screens, with its famous Sirtaki dance scene filmed on the sandy shores of Stavros Beach. If you’ve ever searched for the dance on YouTube, this is likely the first clip you’ll find.

Beyond Stavros beach, the film captures the charm of Crete’s historic cities, Chania and Heraklion, both must-visit destinations, even if they’re a three-hour drive apart. Crete, Greece’s largest island, is steeped in mythology as the birthplace of Zeus. Near Heraklion, the ancient Palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, stands impressively well-preserved, offering a glimpse into Europe’s earliest advanced society.

For nature lovers, Crete is home to the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest, stretching 16 km through dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes. And no visit is complete without indulging in its distinct cuisine, including Dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes and cheese) and slow-cooked lamb infused with wild herbs.

Crete is a land of history, adventure, and cinematic beauty, where every corner tells a story. If you decide to visit Crete, make sure to allow plenty of time, this island is vast, diverse, and packed with incredible experiences.

6. Rhodes Island

Rhodes, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, served as the backdrop for the classic war movie The Guns of Navarone (1961). Rhodes Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was transformed into war-torn battlegrounds. The acropolis of Lindos and the dramatic Monolithos Castle, a stunning fortress on a rock, added to the film’s striking scenery.

Once home to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the island’s harbor might have looked like Braavos Harbor in Game of Thrones. Beyond its cinematic history, Rhodes offers breathtaking experiences, from wandering through medieval streets to windsurfing at Prasonisi Beach, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas converge, creating a natural sandbar.

7. Meteora in Central Greece

James Bond (Roger Moore) scales the towering rock formations of Meteora in For Your Eyes Only, bringing global attention to this breathtaking landscape. In Greek, "Meteora" means "suspended in the air"- a fitting name for its six monasteries perched atop massive rock pillars, some dating back to the 14th century.

Shaped over 60 million years by erosion and geological shifts, Meteora’s otherworldly terrain is a haven for rock climbers and hikers, with trails offering panoramic views. Once accessible only by rope ladders and wooden pulleys, the monasteries remain awe-inspiring refuges of history and spirituality and can be accessible today by hiking. Easily visited on a day trip from Athens, Meteora is a must-see for adventurers and history lovers alike.

8. Mykonos Island

In the final scene of The Bourne Identity, Jason Bourne finds peace in Mykonos after his intense escape from the CIA. While often celebrated as Greece’s ultimate party island, Mykonos also offers a blend of history, charm, and hidden tranquility.

Little Venice, with its colorful waterfront houses, creates a breathtaking sunset backdrop, while the island’s iconic 16th-century windmills stand as timeless symbols of Mykonos’ past. Beyond the vibrant beach clubs and cosmopolitan nightlife, Mykonos hides serene escapes like Agios Sostis and Fokos Beach, that are perfect for those seeking a more peaceful side of this glamorous destination.

9. Sounio Cape

Perched dramatically on the southern cape of Attica, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio was featured in the 2003 Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. Built in the 5th century BC, this majestic temple stands stands on a dramatic cliff 60 meters above the sea. It was an important landmark for ancient sailors, marking the last piece of land before they ventured into the open Aegean.

Sounio is deeply connected to Greek mythology. According to legend, King Aegeus of Athens waited here for his son, Theseus, who had sailed to Crete to slay the Minotaur, a part man part bull beast living in a Labyrinth. Theseus had promised to return with white sails if victorious, but after defeating the Minotaur, he forgot to change the black sails of mourning, because he was so overwhelmed with joy and love for Ariadne, the Cretan princess who had helped him escape the Labyrinth. Mistaking this as a sign of his son’s death, Aegeus leapt into the sea, which now bears his name- the Aegean Sea.

The temple’s columns are now protected from visitors but it seems that they bear carvings from centuries of visitors, including an inscription believed to be from Lord Byron, the famous English poet. Today, the site remains one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in Greece, blending ancient history with natural beauty.

10. Athens & Peloponnese

The romantic film Before Midnight, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, beautifully captures the charm of Athens and the Peloponnese while exploring the complexities of love and long-term relationships. As the final chapter of the Before Sunrise trilogy, the film seamlessly blends breathtaking Greek scenery with a deeply personal and reflective narrative.

Viewers are transported to Plaka, the historic heart of Athens, where narrow streets and neoclassical houses sit in the shadow of the Acropolis. The journey continues to Mani in the Peloponnese, a rugged and mysterious region known for its tower houses, dramatic coastlines, and untamed beauty. The Peloponnese itself is steeped in myth, home to Hercules’ labors, the Trojan War, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

From its ancient ruins to its windswept landscapes, Greece provides not just a backdrop, but a character of its own—a place where history, romance, and raw emotion intertwine.

11. Paxos Island

    

    
    

The last mention here isn’t a movie but a Greek series that has captured international attention—Maestro in Blue, available on Netflix. This bittersweet drama unfolds on the island of Paxos, a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, just across from Corfu. Since its release in 2022, Maestro in Blue has brought newfound fame to Paxos, drawing visitors eager to experience the stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere showcased in the series. With its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and unspoiled beauty, Paxos is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Greek island experience.

Would you like personalized recommendations for visiting these iconic filming locations?

You can find detailed insights, travel tips, and hidden gems in my blog, or download my exclusive travel guides for the destinations mentioned. If you want a more tailored experience, you can even book a 1-on-1 consultation with me to plan the perfect itinerary based on your interests and travel style.

Greece is waiting for you to create the movie of your life—set against breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable summer memories! 🌊☀️🎥